Should I Give My Foster Kids Chores?

Provide a sense of accomplishment and belonging by ensuring that giving your foster children responsibilities around the house.

Denalee Chapman
October 06, 2016

Having never been a foster child, I can’t imagine what it would be like, having to adapt to new families, new rules, new levels of tolerance, new showing of affection and more. Normalcy and routine are grounding forces for children in their young years.

Foster children have experienced a lot of upheaval and instability in their lives, so it’s essential to integrate solid routine and clear expectations into their lives in a new home. Assigning appropriate chores is a good place to add to a child’s sense of well-being and accomplishment.

Part of growing up is having responsibility. When we remember that these children are not on vacation, and although they need love and acceptance, extreme pampering won’t be a help, that’s when the relationship can begin to grow and they will start to be able to thrive.

Consider assigning daily or weekly chores to your foster child. Listed below are age-appropriate chores that will help build your foster child’s esteem, help them feel grounded, give them responsibility, and help them feel safe within their new routine. Keep in mind that these chores don’t have to be done perfectly to be effective in helping your child. Perfection is not what we’re seeking – building a child is our aim.

Here are some age-appropriate chore ideas:

AGES 2-4

Wipe down table after each meal

Align shoes in the mud room

Help move laundry from washer to dryer

Carry clean laundry to the correct rooms

Shred papers

Wipe piano keys

Make bed

AGES 5-7

Shake rugs

Sweep/Swiffer

Set Table and Clear Table

Fold clean laundry

Water plants

Feed the pets

Load dishwasher (with supervision)

Vacuum floors

AGES 8-11

Mop floors

Wash mirrors

Help prepare meals

Sort laundry

Empty trash

Get mail

Rake leaves/shovel snow

Clean bathrooms (this may take supervision and repeated, patient teaching)

AGES 12 AND UP

Clean kitchen after meals, including scrubbing of counters and sink

Fully prepare a meal weekly (supervision may be required)

Prepare weekly shopping list, then shop with Mom or Dad

Mow lawn

Clean out and vacuum car

Change burned-out light bulbs

Read to younger children

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Denis Waitley

Denalee Chapman

Denalee is an adoptive mother, a motivational speaker, a writer, and a lover of life. She and her husband have adventured through the hills and valleys of life to find that the highest highs and the lowest lows are equally fulfilling. Book Denalee to speak to your group, or find Denalee's writings, including her books on her website at DenaleeChapman.com.

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